Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has called for a forceful approach in dealing with Russia, asserting that they only respond to this type of communication. In a video message, Zelenskyy stated that the ‘language of force’ must be the prevailing approach in all international engagements in the coming months.
Zelenskyy expressed high expectations for the upcoming June summits and pledged to ensure they are substantive. He highlighted the importance of the G7 Summit in Canada and the NATO Summit in the Netherlands, stating that Ukraine is actively working to make these summits productive. The G7 Summit will be held in Canada from June 15 to 17, 2025. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been invited by the newly elected Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney to attend the G7 Summit this month.
Zelenskyy also addressed the failed exchange of war prisoners between Russia and Ukraine, which was scheduled for Saturday but did not proceed due to disagreements. While Russia claimed Ukraine postponed the exchange, Kyiv refuted these claims. Zelenskyy affirmed Ukraine’s commitment to securing the release of its prisoners of war and the return of fallen soldiers. He noted that Russia has not provided the full lists for the exchange of over a thousand people, as agreed in Istanbul.
Zelenskyy criticized Russia for attempting to manipulate these matters into a political and informational game. He reiterated Ukraine’s efforts to maintain progress on the prisoner exchange.